Georgia Thompson up and SeniorCare down

UP: Georgia Thompson. Citing the weak evidence behind her conviction, a federal appeals court orders the immediate release of the imprisoned former state worker. Thompson was convicted last summer of using her influence to direct a state contract to one of Gov. Jim Doyle's campaign donors. Sens. Russ Feingold and Herb Kohl and Rep. Tammy Baldwin call for an investigation into the Thompson prosecution, questioning whether partisan politics played a role. Prosecutor Steven Biskupic was appointed by President Bush, and Thompson's conviction became an issue in Doyle's re-election campaign.

DOWN: SeniorCare. The federal government refuses to give Wisconsin a waiver to continue its hugely popular prescription drug program. More than 100,000 seniors statewide use SeniorCare, which provides drug coverage for just $30 a year and co-pays based on income. The feds say Wisconsin seniors should use the confusing and expensive Medicare program instead, which has a monthly premium and a $265 annual deductible.